Global Networking in Practice: Government Strategies for Germany’s Engagement with Emerging Powers

The subject of this chapter concerns the programmes for Germany’s global engagement at governmental level, as well as the discussions revolving around them. The initial step involves outlining the historical process of the shaping of these programmes since the 1990s by analysing the official documents and coalition agreements of successive federal governments, focusing on the theme of cooperation with emerging powers. The central element of the chapter is the concept of shaping powers and the 2012 government document entitled “Shaping Globalization—Expanding Partnerships—Sharing Responsibility”. The subsequent fate of this document is also discussed—the chapter examines whether and to what extent the new German government, following the power change in 2013, retained the concept of shaping powers and implemented the planned actions. Another aspect covered in this chapter is the reception of the shaping powers programme in Germany. This includes the perspective of main political parties, debates in the Bundestag, and the influence of economic organisations on Germany’s foreign policy, particularly regarding emerging powers.